UPDATE: As of 12:03 a stop message has been received and the cause of the fire confirmed as accidental. Four appliances remain at the scene, but this will be scaled back shortly.
UPDATE: At 11.45 Crews are making good progress. The fire at Eastbourne Pier is now extinguished and firefighters are dealing with hot spots and cutting away. The incident is expected to be scaled back shortly. Please continue to avoid the area.
SIX fire crews are tackling a fire on Eastbourne Pier this morning, with the landmark attraction fully evacuated.
East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service was called to the pier at 10.24am today (Sunday, August 30).
Six fire crews and an aerial ladder platform are currently at the scene as firefighters work to prevent the blaze spreading to other parts of the pier.
A full evacuation has been carried out and the fire service has confirmed everyone has now been cleared from the pier.
Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus are using firefighting foam to tackle the blaze.
Both the gas and electricity supplies to the pier have been isolated by crews and Sussex Police has also been requested to attend.
East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service said: “Crews are working hard to prevent the escalation of the fire to other areas of the pier.”
Members of the public are being urged to avoid the area while the emergency response continues.
People in nearby properties are also being advised to keep their doors and windows closed.
The cause of the fire is not yet known.
This is a developing incident and Eastbourne News will provide further updates as information becomes available.
